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[Chuck the plant]

Well, being "bothered" by someone is clearly stated as reason enough for that person to be "destroyed". They don't need to actually harm anyone, just bother them. Some people consider the mere existence of a certain person as "bothering". And children can be VERY bothersome at times. And why would one not talk about children in general, but stress the fact, that those children have to be small in order to be "protected" anyway, if not to clearly make a distinction, mark a line? And where would that line be anyway?

[plix]

Originally posted by Tulac
By that logic every atheist is a satanist?

Yes, that's a core tenant of both beliefs. However, it's an over-generalization. What you're implying is that, essentially, Judaism and Catholicism are the same because they both, at their core, believe in the existance of a deity.

In actuality, Atheism and Satanism are categorized as being "Left-Hand Path" belief systems, a system which is based on the fundamental belief that there exists no greater being, only the "self." The "Right-Hand Path" systems believe that there does exist a greater being, such religions as Judaism, Christianity, etc.

What differentiates Atheism and Satanism is the "small stuff" -- the same less fundamental beliefs that separate Christianity and Judaism.

[Yobor]

The Satan of The Church of Satan is different from the one in Christianity in almost every way. He is much more pagan than Christian based. Check out this link for more details (Unbiased third party site) http://www.religioustolerance.org/satanis1.htm

To quote from the official CoS website, "We are a peaceful and life-loving religion". I emailed the CoS and got this in response:

>(Me) Hi! I am a fifteen year old who is interested in learning more about
>> Satanism. However, I do not have 200 dollars to join. In addition, many
>> people in my community are afraid and stupid, and don't bother to listen
>> past the word "Satan". I have never agreed so much with one document as
>> I have with the tenents of Satanism. I would just like to thank the
>> Church of Satan for existing.


Dear Mr. -------:

Thank you for your kind words.

At your young age it is best to study many different religions and
philosophies so that you can eventually be certain which one suits you best.

Satanism is taken up out of study and understanding human nature, so it is
important to learn about history, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and
science so that you can have evidence to back up your decision.

Also, it is very important to do well in school, as that will be a
foundation for whatever career you select.

Best wishes,

Administration
Church of Satan

Also, one of the reasons many Satanists are atheist is because the Church of Satan's teachings are exactly what many atheists believe, and they can unify under the CoS in order to help eachother with the pressure of "Stupid" people. Also, the religion is much more focused on the individual's perception of things, and is less organised than say, Christianity.
Evad, your idea of Satanism is all about devils and pitchforks. Satan to a Satanist is more like a symbol of nature and virility. Afterall, even the concept of Satan was taken, or absorbed from the Pagans, for who else is Satan but Poseidon, with his trident, and Hades, with his underworld?

The Ancient Egyptians prayed to their gods through magic spells as well.

One of the main philosophies of the CoS's Satanism is to love those who deserve your love, while being neutral about the rest.

[TheVoid]

As much as I try, I just can't take this "religion" seriously.

[Yobor]

?

It is just as legitimate as any other belief system.

[Evad]

About little children. On their site they specifically mention that children and animals are close to the power of life, and that they are sacred. They also say you should never take a persons life AGAINST THEIR WILL. This last statement made me wonder, but supposedly all the sacrifice mumbo jumbo is just hollywood right.
From what I've read on the curch of"S" web site they believe in the darkside. As chuck said ths implies there is a lightside. These two polarities represent what is customarily and historically viewed to be the Devil and God.I would like to view more of their literature to become informed. To bad you have to buy it all. Their bible isn't even free. Reminds me of scientology actually.

[Yobor]

Grr. Scientology is crazy. But yes you have to buy them. This religion (CoS), unlike some others, has few actual churches, yet many members (Many as in, 10,000 in America) So how do else they get money to run the church?

Anyway, there is NO sacrifice in the CoS. None. Life is sacred, to a point, but there is absolutely no sacrifice.

[punch999]

Erik erik erik.... We are going to need to talk about your new obsession.

[Chuck the plant]

What I find MOST appealing about all those oh-so-free-minded "individualists" that the satanists are supposed to be is the fact that they obviously feel such a dire need for a common label and to use this label to identify themselves as a like minded mass... :angel:

[Bp103]

it sounds like splinter cell to me LOL